RELS419 Charisma and Healing in Alternative Religions
Note: This information is for 2013, and may have been updated since the Guide to Enrolment was printed.
| Title | Charisma and Healing in Alternative Religions |
|---|---|
| Code | RELS419 |
| Subject | Religious Studies |
| EFTS | 0.1667 EFTS |
| Points | 20 points |
| Teaching Period(s) | Not offered in 2013, expected to be offered in 2014 |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZ$) | |
| International Tuition Fees (NZ$) |
Note: Some RELS papers are also available as RELX papers through the Distance Learning Programme.
Prescription
A study of a variety of New Religious Movements, focusing on the definition of 'charisma', on concepts of 'healing', 'health', and 'illness' on healing practices and healers.
Prerequisite: One 300-level RELS or RELX paper
Restrictions: RELS 319, RELX 319, 419
Schedule C: Arts and Music, Theology
Notes: (i) Students who have not passed the normal prerequisite may be admitted with approval from the Head of Department. (ii) May not be credited together with RELS 332 or 430 passed in 2008.
Course overview
This course will investigate Japanese ‘New Religions’ focusing on charismatic leadership and healing practices. The course is designed to engage a variety of theoretical perspectives of and approaches to New Religious Movements/ alternative religions/ Japanese "New Religions" (Introduction). Part 1 addresses the definition of ‘charismatic leadership’ and its application to different Japanese new religious movements from the late 19th century. This section will discuss the role of the leader in the formation, development and expansion of religious organizations. Part 2 investigates healing practices from traditional Buddhist sects to contemporary ‘therapeutic movements’. Finally, it will focuses on some case studies from Japanese new religious movements and practices recently developped in the so-called ‘spiritual marketplace’.
This paper is also available as RELX 419 through the Distance Learning Programme.
Lecturer
Assessment
Essay (4000 words) - 50%
Essay (4000 words) - 50%